Allergies

Ocular allergies can make eyes irritable, watery and red, particularly in the springtime. They can also lead to or be confused with other problems, such as conjunctivitis.

There are several treatment options available; Dr. Randhawa will let you know which is best for you.

Remember, some eye-drops can damage certain contact lenses. Dr. Randhawa will advise you how to safely use drops and continue wearing contact lenses.

Amblyopia (lazy eye)

Amblyopia or "lazy eye" is weak vision or vision loss in one eye that cannot be fully corrected with lenses.

It usually develops in children before age eight and is best treated if caught early. It becomes extremely difficult to treat amblyopia after age eight and if untreated it can lead to total blindness in the affected eye.

Amblyopia involves the "wiring" of the nerve impulses from the eyes to the brain. Treatment typically includes Vision Therapy, eyeglasses and contact lenses, or a patch. Surgery alone is not sufficient.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is an irregular curvature of the front surface of the eye that results in blurred vision at all distances. Eyeglasses, contact lenses and laser surgery are all effective treatments for astigmatism but each is patient is different and Dr. Randhawa will recommend the treatment that is best for you.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a chronic or acute inflammation of the eyelids and eyelashes. Dr. Randhawa can treat the condition or refer you to a specialist if it is serious.

Cataracts

Cataracts are a clouding of the eye's crystalline lens that usually develops slowly over time. (In the case of post-traumatic cataracts, however, they can also occur very quickly.) It is the leading cause of poor vision in adults.

Dr. Randhawa routinely diagnoses cataracts and if surgery is required to remove them, she will refer you to a good surgeon.  Watch the following video to learn how cataract surgery is done.

Dry eyes

Dry eyes are unable to produce enough tears and suffer irritation, burning and general discomfort. There are a number of causes and a number effective treatments to manage your dry eyes depending on the cause.  Many of Dr. Randahwa's patients have responded very well tonew in-office procedure that has mostly eliminated their dry eye.

Conjunctivitis (“Pink Eye”)

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctive, the thin, transparent layer covering the surface of your inner eyelid and a portion of the front of the eyeball. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses or allergic reactions.

Corneal ulceration

A corneal ulcer is a lesion and loss of tissue on the cornea of the eye that results from an infection. It is a leading cause of vision loss in the world and Dr. Randhawa has seen in many Canadian patients.

You are at higher risk if you wear contact lenses and the condition could also occur following an eye injury or be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi.

If you have symptoms such as decreased visual acuity, pain, light sensitivity, discharge from the eyes, or extremely red eyes you should see Dr. Randhawa without delay. Dr. Randhawa can treat you with antibiotic eye-drops and monitor you until the condition disappears.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that affects the whole body, including the eye. Fluctuating blood sugar can often cause vision changes. Dr. Randhawa can diagnose diabetes in a comprehensive eye health exam and will refer you to a physician if it is suspected.

People with diabetes should see Dr. Randhawa for a comprehensive eye health exam every year because they have a higher risk of glaucoma and cataracts. Dr. Randhawa pays extra close attention to diabetes patients because diabetes can also lead to bleeding into the eye (diabetic retinopathy), retinal detachment and blindness.

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a conditions associated with diabetes that is characterized by damage to the retina that caused by defects in or leakage from the fine blood vessels. The vast majority of those with early diabetic retinopathy are unaware of it. In advanced cases, it can result in vision blurriness and distortion. Watch the following video to learn more.


People with diabetes should ensure they see Dr. Randhawa regularly, scheduling annual eye exams. Without treatment diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness over time. Dr. Randhawa provides the advice and treatment that diabetics require.

Drooping eyelids (ptosis)

Drooping eyelids is a condition in which the upper eyelid droops slightly. The condition may arise following eye surgery, because of aging, or it may be present from birth. Surgery is a common treatment for ptosis.

Farsightedness (hyperopia)

Farsightedness, is a common condition with approximately 25 per cent of the general population affected. Farsighted people see better in the distance than up close because the eye does not effectively focus light. Farsightedness is very common among elementary school-age children and a frequent cause of reading and learning difficulties.

Far sightedness is commonly corrected by eyeglasses or contact lenses. Laser surgery is another possibility.

Iritis or anterior uveitis

Iritis or anterior uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye (known as the ciliary body), which includes the iris and adjacent tissue.

It can be quite painful, and without treatment it can lead to glaucoma. Treatment includes eye-drops that can control inflammation.

Keratitis

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea that can be caused by an infection, contact lens wear, overexposure to the sun, or ultraviolet radiation.

Dr. Rhandhawa can diagnose keratitis during your comprehensive eye health exam and recommend the appropriate therapy, or refer you to an expert physician is necessary.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a disease of the eye that distorts the cornea. Symptoms are not obvious because they are eye health issues themselves such as light sensitivity, nearsightedness and astigmatism. However, a doctor can diagnose the disease by observing your eye with the help of special instruments.


Appropriate treatment of keratoconus varies over time, ranging from simple corrective lenses to rigid gas-permeable contact lenses to a cornea transplant.

 

Light sensitivity (photophobia)

Light sensitivity and its symptoms (headaches or discomfort) are themselves often symptoms of larger problems, which may be anything from eye injuries to the side effects of medication.

If you have light sensitivity, see Dr. Randhawa so she can fix the problem. In the meantime, avoid bright light and wear UV-filtering sunglasses.

Nearsightedness (myopia)

Myopia is a common with approximately a quarter of the general population affected. Myopic people see better up close than in the distance. The condition is commonly corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Laser surgery and Ortho-Keratology are two other possibilities.

Dr. Randhawa has also had considerable success using Vision Therapy for myopia control (to prevent a child's prescription from getting worse).

Neovascularization

Neovascularization is a growth of small blood vessels from the conjunctiva into the cornea. It is most often caused by over-wear or inappropriate wear of contact lenses.

Dr. Randhawa can diagnose this condition in a comprehensive eye health exam and advise you of your options to fix the problem.

Ocular hypertension

Ocular hypertension is higher than normal pressure in the eye but is not associated with a vision impairment. However, patients with ocular hypertension are at risk of developing glaucoma.

Dr. Randhawa examines the pressure of your eye during a comprehensive eye exam to find ocular hypertension. If you have this condition, it is important to have a doctor regularly monitor it to ensure is does not get worse or lead to glaucoma.

Pinguecula

Pinguecula is a slightly raised, benign, whitish thickening on either side of the cornea. A pinguecula can be caused by simple environmental conditions, such as wind, dryness, dust and sunlight exposure. Although they are harmless, they can become irritated, red or sore. Lubricating eye-drops and proper sunglasses can alleviate these effects, but if the pain remains, you should see your Optometrist immediately.

Pterygium

Pterygium is a growth of conjunctiva over the cornea. It can be caused by dryness or irritation by wind and sand, or overexposure to ultraviolet radiation. Treatment ranges from lubricating drops to surgery.

Retinal detachment

Retinal detachment occurs among the elderly or, in younger people, following head or eye injuries. People that are extremely myopic have a greater risk of retinal detachment. 

In some cases it can be surgically treated. Apart from a sudden loss of vision, other early symptoms may include light flashes or a unusual number of "spots and floaters." Retinal detachment is serious and if not caught and treated early it can cause permanent vision loss. Watch the following video for a demonstration.

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP)

Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited diseases developing inside the pigmented area of the retina of the eye that usually present themselves between the ages of 10 and 30 (some types of RP can occur in childhood or later in life). Symptoms include night blindness, loss of side vision, and "tunnel vision."

The most common symptom of RP is a history of visual problems at dusk or in low light. This problem cannot be helped by corrective lenses but Dr. Randhawa can help you adapt to living with RP.

Spots & floaters

Spots and floaters are tiny flecks or threads that seem to float in front of your eyes.

Occasionally they are the result of eye diseases or injuries, or they may signal the development of more serious conditions such as retinal detachment. They are usually harmless, but people who are worried about spots and floaters or who experiencing a sudden change or increase in spots and floaters or flashes of light should consult see Dr. Randhawa.

Strabismus (crossed eyes)

Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes. One or both eyes may turn in, out, up, or down. Treatment may include the use of eyeglasses, contact lenses, prisms and/or vision therapy. In extreme cases, surgery may be needed.